How big is your dream?

Mine is God-Sized!

I have been reading a book for review titled You're Made for a God-Sized Dream by Holley Gerth. Stay tuned for the actual review in a few days!

It has been a great read and an exhausting read ... I cry every time I pick it up.

Do you have a dream?  Maybe a little idea that has been nagging your thoughts for sometime now? Or maybe you HAD a dream but it got lost in doubts, fears and failures?

Be encouraged today. Have faith.

God-sized dreams don't have to be BIG in size and scope, but they are BIG because of the purpose they have in our lives.

I have known for a few years now that my dream is God's design. I have ridden many waves up and down of on board/off board with what He is doing in me, but it was November of this past year when I completely  jumped off the ride. I wanted to be done with it ALL!

Slowly, softly God never quit as He drew me nearer to Him and held my heart (and dream) in His Hands. Jodi, He'd say, I have more planned. I have more in store. Don't lose hope and most importantly don't lose sight of ME.

I wrote a message on a forum board for authors/writers that I am a part of, sharing my confusion and frustration. One wonderful woman, Beth shared life-giving words with me of what's she learned on her journey. It helped me to see the bigger picture - the God-sized dream. I want to share them with you.

In God's economy, from his perspective, the writing life isn't about my being published (or not). It's not about sales or awards.
In God's economy, the writing life is about conforming me to his image -- scraping off whatever doesn't look like him in my life so that I can better reflect him to the world.
And he can do that -- he can change me to look more like him -- wherever I am along the writing road.
Why am I saying all this?
To encourage you to allow God to use wherever you are along the writing road to press you closer to him. To let him use whatever is happening -- the successes and the disappointments -- to change you into the woman he wants you to become so that when people look at you they see him.
Yes, he's called you to write.
But, above all else, he's called you to transformation -- and writing is a means to that end.

I didn't quit. Thankfully I followed the still small voice of God and good friends, and kept writing. Some exciting things have happened for me over the beginning months of 2013 that wouldn't have been tasted if I had given up. But - and this is the most important part -

Let's celebrate together

Parties are fun - especially when you can hang out with friends.  Or make new ones ...

How about joining some author friends to celebrate their debut novels releasing this May?

Here is the invitation from Relz Reviewz blog, the host of the evening.

Put on your white gloves and your dancing shoes and join us for the live video event of the season!

When: May 15, 2012 7:30-9:00 PM CST

Who: You! Join fiction lovers from all across the country, as well as your host, Rel Mollet, and get to know our four debut authors, each launching their storytelling careers this month:

Beth Vogt – Wish You Were Here – Simon & Schuster
Dani Pettrey – Submerged – Bethany House
Katie Ganshert – Wildflowers from Winter – Waterbrook Press
Olivia Newport – The Pursuit of Lucy Banning – Revell

What: A live, worldwide, online party. 

Where: Right here on Relz Reviewz. 

I have gotten to know Beth and Katie on line and love them both.  Their spirit radiates God's love to others.  Both of these women have inspired me in my writing thus far.  I'm looking forward to meeting the other two ladies and anxious to see what they have in store for us.

And don't forget ... lots of giveaways!!

Hope to see you there.

My word ... it's 2012!

Did you make a New Year's resolution?  I don't like them.  I have never been very successful at them.  I wrote a similar blog at the same time last year.  (Peek at it here.)

So what is different this year?

I found a really cool way to look at the New Year.  A writer friend, Beth Vogt shared her perspective on New Years back in December on her blog.  Instead of a resolution, she picks a word.  Something that will inspire her to grow through the year, that is measurable but bigger than a simple pass or fail statement.  She inspired me to think about her idea.  A few weeks ago during a sermon I found my word.  Then - just because God is so awesome - He has confirmed it to me over and over that He gave me that word on purpose.

My word for 2012 ... eternal.

Why eternal?  I am by nature, the type of person who worries a lot.  I am afraid to make a decision in many cases because what if it affects this or that?  I play it safe too often.  Whether I am deciding something for me, my children, my future I always worry about what will the decision affect.  Or I focus on some things to point of driving my family crazy - like all the bad movies the school shows our kids and the damage that is causes.  (Don't get me started on that one!)

Our visiting missionary Lane Elliott spoke in church about the Father, Eternal.